Diligence

The more I grow as a christian/husband/leader the more God deals with me about the little things. Almost silly things like keeping my car clean (inside and out), keeping my yard cut and groomed all the time, showing up early to appointments and never saying something I don't intend to do (no matter what it takes). I believe those little things we do in life reflect our heart. You can sum up doing those seemingly small things with one word - Diligence.

Diligence can be broken down into three categories:

1. Obedience - A tender heart before God is an obedient heart.
2. Determination - The drive to fulfill God's purpose in your life, a higher purpose than your own.
3. Perseverance - How big is your want to? The catalyst to doing Great Things.

About a year ago I mentioned to my pastor how much I was growing sitting under his leadership and he said something I never expected: "It's not so much spiritual growth, but your heart is growing more tender before God".

My constant prayer is that God would change my heart and tenderize it, because my heart is the soil of my life. It determines my sustained success, something that will last a lifetime.

The Sound of Rain

That's the sound I'm listening to right now, lots and lots of rain. A sound that reminds me of a time when I got stuck in the mud. The problem is it wasn't mud when I parked there, it was bone dry. But a heavy rain came through and my 4x4 Dodge had to be pulled out with a backhoe :)

When you get comfortable with your current pace and place in life, you sometimes get stuck. Even though you started with passion and determination it changes to be lethargic and unfruitful.

So how do you get unstuck?

Go back to your first love, whatever ignited that passion in the first place. Determination always follows passion, but procastination is born out of a loss of vision. Pray the Ephesians 1:15-23 prayer and rediscover your direction and purpose in life. When you find it don't think it's a down hill coast from there, you have to work hard at fulfilling that vision. You can never fulfill a passion outside of God, it will only be a cheap imitation.

27 Weeks

Kristy has grown considerably since the last time I posted, check it out here. I would tell you she has gained 20 pounds since the start of the pregnancy, but I don't know if I should (oops, too late).

Every morning before I leave for work I pray over Chloe. And for the last week she has started moving as soon as I start talking, it's so awesome. She's not just hanging out in her mommas belly. With every sound or touch she is assimilating and taking it in. Since the doctors say her eyes are open, I just imagine waking her up all bright eyed and smiling. It's so surreal becoming a dad, I can't wait for October 13!

Random Thoughts

Enjoy the journey. Life is not about the destination it's all about how you get there. My first 25 years of existence I was so focused on getting to the next thing and frustrated the whole time I wasn't there.

The path to obtain your goal is where you meet the people and experience the moments that shape your character. Not until you reach your destination and look back on the journey can you really appreciate it. Slow down, smell the roses, enjoy the sunrise and take a walk in the park with your sweetheart. You'll thank me later!